With the ink barely dry on his new UFC deal, former Bellator middleweight champ Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) made his intentions perfectly clear.

“I want to be UFC middleweight champion, and I want to fight Anderson Silva to do it,” Lombard stated. “I have such respect for him as a fighter. It would be an honor and a dream come true to test my skills against his.”

Lombard originally announced the deal on Tuesday, and UFC officials today confirmed the new contract. The former Bellator champ vacated the belt to migrate to the UFC.

The UFC nearly brought the 34-year-old Lombard into the fold in 2007, but visa issues halted the possible debut at UFC 78. He’s since fought primarily for Bellator and regional promotions in Australia. With Bellator, he he won a season-one tournament, made one title defense, and also won four non-title fights after winning the belt.

“I’ve wanted to fight in the UFC all my career,” Lombard stated. “I wouldn’t be in the UFC if I didn’t think I could win the UFC world title.”

A Cuban native and former Olympic judoka, Lombard trains with American Top Team. He currently boasts an incredible 25-fight win streak. A UFC debut date and opponent have yet to be named.

Silva, of course, is currently slated to fight Chael Sonnen in the main event of July’s UFC 148 fight card.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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